New cycle hub and bike hire scheme to launch in Croydon

UPDATE: The cycle hub launch due to take place on Friday, 14 August was cancelled following a road traffic incident in George Street. The launch will be re-arranged for another date.

A new cycle hub and Brompton Bike Hire dock is set to open in Croydon town centre.

The Croydon Cycle Hub, located in College Road opposite East Croydon station, will provide free covered cycle parking for 80 bikes while the neighbouring Brompton Bike Hire dock will house eight folding bikes for hire.

There will also be a cycle work station for carrying out small repairs and a cycle pump.

The hub is a project jointly funded by the council and Transport for London.

The Brompton Bike Hire dock requires a simple registration at bromptonbikehire.com, before being able to reserve bikes via both web and SMS.

The dock is part of a larger nationwide network, with members able to hire and return bikes to any dock up and down the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no limit on hire duration.

To coincide with the launch on Friday, 14 August, the council is offering free memberships to the first 25 people who sign up.

Councillor Robert Canning, deputy cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “As a key part of our transport vision, the council is passionate about encouraging more people to cycle. Providing facilities such as this fantastic new cycle hub and hire station will help achieve this.

“Croydon is already on the cycling map having hosted one of Britain’s biggest cycling races earlier this summer. Now having Brompton on board takes this a whole step further.

“We’re delighted to be working with Brompton, who have successfully rolled out similar schemes in other boroughs, and we look forward to seeing that repeated here in Croydon.”

Harry Scrope, managing director of Brompton Bike Hire said “We are delighted to be opening the first of our new generation of docking stations in partnership with Croydon Council.

“Located outside East Croydon station, the dock connects Croydon to the UK’s most extensive public bike hire network.

“The highly versatile Brompton folding bike is available for £2.50 per 24 hour hire. The bike is specifically designed to assist the integrated journey. 75,000 Londoners ride them daily; radically reducing commute time and costs, and we will open up to 10 new docking stations in central London over the next 12 months.”

Scott Lester, Acting Head of Borough Projects and Programmes at TfL, said: “We are delighted that our funding to boroughs like Croydon is helping to make the Mayor’s Cycling Vision become reality by transforming cycling facilities across the capital.

“The Croydon Cycle Hub is a fantastic addition to the area and connects cycling to the train, tram and bus networks. The hub is testament to the council’s commitment to promote cycling.”

– Brompton Bike Hire is the sister company of Brompton Bicycle
– The Brompton Bike Hire scheme was formally launched in July 2011 as a remote and secure service. The docks are accessed by use of a keypad code. The code is provided to the member via smartphone after they have registered online at bromptonbikehire.com
– The Brompton Bike Hire network uses chip and sensor technology which allows the operator to track the movement of bicycles and members. The rapidly expanding network currently includes 35 docks across the UK.
– Brompton Bike Hire membership is available on two tariffs to suit needs: frequent – £20 annual membership fee, £2.50 daily hire charge and leisure – £1 annual membership fee, £5.00 daily hire charge